The Ladin-language name Urtijëi derives from the Latin word urtica and the suffix-etum with the meaning "place of nettles". From 1860 to 1914 Urtijëi experienced a relevant economical growth due to the opening of a major road connecting Val Gardena to the main railroad; as a result the local woodcarving industry flourished. International tourism developed through the discovery of the Dolomites first by English tourists, and subsequently visitors from other parts of Austria-Hungary as well as the German Empire. Currently, the town's economy is mostly based on winter skiing tourism, summer hiking tourism, and woodcarving.
Coat of arms
The emblem shows Saint Ulrich, with the bishop's vestments and a gold cross in his right hand, mounted on a horse, with gold harness and a blue saddle pad, on three green mountains on a gold field. The emblem is decorated with a blue chief, with three small silver shields alternating with two golden bees; the bees symbolize the laboriousness of the inhabitants. The coat of arms was granted in 1907 and reappointed in 1970. Blazon:
Church of St. Jacob, of ancient foundation, it was remodeled in style Late-Gothic style during the seventeenth century. It preserves frescoes from the second half of the fifteenth century and copies of the original Baroque furnishings.
Church of St. Antonius, built in the second half of the 17th century, it combines the simple Renaissance style structure with a predominantly Baroque decorative structure.
Church of St. Anna, located in the perimeter of the municipal cemetery, it is in Late-Gothic style. Inside it preserves Baroque furnishings.
Museum Gherdëina, the local heritage museum, which preserves geological, paleontological and archaeological finds found in the area, as well as a collection of wooden sculptures and toys.
The Luis TrenkerHouse of Culture, housed in a building designed by the architect Hubert Prachensky, preserves the ancient bell of the Magister Manfredinus.
Villa Venezia, home and workshop of the sculptor Johann Baptist Moroder, constructed between 1902 and 1903 following the venetian style of architecture.
Society
According to the 2011 census, 84.19% of the population speaks Ladin, 9.30% German, and 6.51% Italian as first language.
Notable People
Luis Trenker film producer, director, writer, actor, architect, alpinist and bobsledder
